The Effect of Chromium Supplements on Insulin Resistance: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

Background: With diabetes rising as a major health issue in developed nations, insulin resistance is gaining more attention. Understanding insulin's role and treatment options for insulin resistance is critical for preventing chronic diseases. We planned to evaluate the impact of chromium on insulin resistance. Method: A comprehensive search was performed using PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and Web of Science databases to assess the effectiveness of chromium trace element on insulin resistance and glucose profile. This review focused solely on randomized controlled trials that were published in English. Results: Our search yielded 2,363 articles. After removing duplicates and conducting thorough title and abstract screening, 45 articles were chosen for full-text evaluation. Among these, 35 articles were included in our systematic review. Finally, 20 studies with 1147 cases focused on patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, prediabetic, and individuals with confirmed insulin resistance were selected for meta-analysis. The results demonstrated a significant reduction in the HOMA-IR index (pooled MD= -1.29; 95%CI (-1.84 to -0.73), PV= 0.00, I2= 94.7%). Additionally, a significant reduction in the FBS values (pooled MD= - 13.71; 95%CI (-26.29 to -1.12), PV= 0.03, I2= 97.74%) was observed. Regarding the efficacy of chromium on the HbA1C levels, no significant changes were detected (pooled MD= - 0.17; 95%CI (-0.63 to 0.29), PV= 0.42, I2= 96.03%). Conclusion: According to the available evidence, chromium improves insulin resistance in individuals with diabetes or those experiencing insulin resistance. Nevertheless, Additional well-structured and high-quality clinical trials are needed to thoroughly clarify the impact of chromium supplementation on insulin resistance in other situations, like women with PCOS or prediabetic populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]